2013 Ford Focus

Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues

Power train is the leading concern among 2,112 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 4th highest complaint count among 19 Focus model years with reports.

Complaints by model year
  1. 2,112

Of the 2013 reports, 49 involved a crash and 12 involved a fire. 28 people were injured and 3 people died.

Primary concernPower train1,102 reports · 52% of complaints
Owner complaints2,112Filed with NHTSA
Recall relationship12 safety recallsNHTSA campaign records

What owners report most often

  1. Power train1,102
  2. Engine344
  3. Electrical system276
  4. Steering273
  5. Fuel/propulsion system209
  6. Other or unspecified196
  7. Vehicle speed control112
  8. Structure84

Recalls and investigations

  1. Fuel system, gasoline, storage, evaporative emissions, canisterJun 9, 2026

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2012-2018 Focus vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 18V735. The Canister Purge Valve (CPV) may malfunction, causing the engine to stall unexpectedly while driving.

    An engine that stalls while driving increases the risk of a crash.

    Dealers will update the powertrain control module (PCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 29, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S40. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 6,2026.

    Campaign 26V369000 on NHTSA.gov

  2. Equipment, electrical, engine block heaterJan 15, 2026

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Focus, 2013-2019 Escape, and 2015-2016 MKC vehicles equipped with a 2.0L engine. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.

    An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.

    Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed March 6, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S01. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on January 16, 2026.

    Campaign 26V011000 on NHTSA.gov

  3. Latches/locks/linkages, doors, latchJun 8, 2020

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Fiesta, 2013-2014 Fusion, 2015 Mustang, 2013-2015 Escape and C-Max, 2012-2015 Focus, 2014-2016 Transit Connect, 2013-2014 Lincoln MKZ, and 2015 MKC vehicles. These vehicles were previously recalled and repaired under recalls 15V-246, 16V-643 or 17V-210, however the repair may not have been completed properly. A component within the door latches may break making the doors difficult to latch and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.

    A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.

    Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the latch date codes to confirm if the repair was done correctly, and replace the side door latches if necessary, free of charge. Owners will also have the option to inspect their own vehicle's door latches and enter the date codes into a website to determine if the latches are correct. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 27, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S30.

    Campaign 20V331000 on NHTSA.gov

  4. Fuel system, gasoline, storageJul 5, 2019

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2012 and 2017 Focus vehicles equipped with 2.0L GDI gasoline engines and 2013-2014 Focus ST vehicles equipped with 2.0L GTDI engines, previously recalled under 18V-735. The affected vehicles did not have the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) updated as intended. Therefore, the Canister Purge Valve (CPV) may malfunction, possibly causing excessive vacuum in the fuel vapor management system.

    The excessive vacuum may result in an engine stall while driving, without warning and without the ability to restart the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Powertrain Control Module. Dealers will also check for fault codes and replace the CPV as needed. If the CPV is replaced, dealers will inspect and replace the carbon canister, fuel tank and fuel delivery module as necessary. The recall began July 29, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S22.

    Campaign 19V515000 on NHTSA.gov

  5. Fuel system, gasoline, storageOct 22, 2018

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2012-2018 Ford Focus vehicles with a 2.0L GDI or 2.0L GTDI engine. The Canister Purge Valve (CPV) may malfunction, possibly causing excessive vacuum in fuel vapor management system.

    The excessive vaccuum may result in an engine stall while driving, without warning and without the ability to restart the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Powertrain Control Module. Dealers will also check for fault codes and replace the CPV as needed. If the CPV is replaced, dealers will inspect and replace the carbon canister, fuel tank and fuel delivery module as necessary. The recall began August 19, 2019. Owners may contact Ford Customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S32. Note: Until the vehicle is serviced for this concern, owners are advised to keep the fuel tank at least halfway full.

    Campaign 18V735000 on NHTSA.gov

  6. Latches/locks/linkages, hatchback/liftgate, lockSep 28, 2016

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2017 Ford Focus hatchback vehicles manufactured February 14, 2012, to August 26, 2016 and equipped with a manual transmission. The hatchback of the affected vehicles may be unlatched with a single press of the interior latch release button. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 206, "Door Locks and Door Retention Components."

    With only a single press needed, the driver may accidently unlatch the hatchback, increasing the risk of injury to any unsecured passengers in the back.

    Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Body Control Module with updated software, free of charge. The recall began February 10, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16C13.

    Campaign 16V698000 on NHTSA.gov

  7. Latches/locks/linkages, doors, latchSep 6, 2016

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 Ford Focus, 2013-2015 Ford Escape and Ford C-MAX, 2015 Lincoln MKC and Ford Mustang, and 2014-2016 Ford Transit Connect vehicles. A component within the door latches may break, preventing the doors from latching and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.

    A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.

    Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the door latches with an improved part, free of charge. The recall began on January 27, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S30.

    Campaign 16V643000 on NHTSA.gov

  8. Electrical system, wiringDec 2, 2015

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013 Escape vehicles manufactured January 11, 2012, to April 1, 2013, and 2013-2014 Focus ST vehicles manufactured May 03, 2012, to October 14, 2013. Insufficient compression in the engine wiring harness splices to the Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) sensor may provide incorrect signals to the powertrain control module (PCM).

    The incorrect signals could cause the vehicle to hesitate or the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the current crimped splices with new splices, free of charge. The recall began on January 7, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 14S17-S1.

    Campaign 15V813000 on NHTSA.gov

  9. Electrical system, wiringAug 11, 2014

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Escape vehicles manufactured October 5, 2011, to April 1, 2013, and equipped with 2.0 liter engines and Focus ST vehicles manufactured February 14, 2012, to October 14, 2013, and equipped with 2.0 liter engines. Insufficient compression in the engine wiring harness splices to the Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) sensor may provide incorrect signals to the powertrain control module (PCM).

    The incorrect signals could cause the vehicle to hesitate or the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the current crimped splices with new splices, free of charge. The recall began in October 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S17.

    Campaign 14V495000 on NHTSA.gov

  10. Exterior lightingAug 1, 2013

    Ford is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Focus BEV vehicles equipped with High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights, manufactured September 15, 2011, through May 6, 2013; and model year 2013 Focus ST vehicles equipped with High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights, manufactured February 16, 2012, through May 7, 2013. Due to a wiring incompatability, the front side marker lamps may not function. Thus, these vehicles fail to comply to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

    Without the proper illumination of the side maker lamps, the vehicle may be less visible in night time conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Ford will notify owners, and dealers will modify the headlamp assembly wiring, free of charge. The recall began on August 16, 2013. Owners may contact the Ford customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's recall number is 13C04.

    Campaign 13V335000 on NHTSA.gov

  11. Latches/locks/linkagesMar 7, 2013

    Ford is recalling certain model year 2013 Focus and C-Max vehicles built from November 16, 2012, through November 21, 2012; and model year 2013 Escape vehicles manufactured from November 14, 2012, through November 21, 2012. The left rear door child lock was built incorrectly. As a result, the child lock may not engage when the operator uses normal force to activate the child lock.

    The operator may incorrectly believe the child lock is engaged. However, the door may be opened from the inside, increasing the risk of injury to an unrestrained child.

    Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the affected rear door latches, and replace them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on March 27, 2013. Owners may contact Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center at 1-866-436-7332.

    Campaign 13V085000 on NHTSA.gov

  12. EquipmentOct 2, 2012

    This recall involves aftermarket parts sold by Yakima Products, Inc. for use on model year 2012 and 2013 Ford Focus vehicles. This recall is being conducted by Yakima, not by Ford. Certain combined Q-Tower and Q128 Clip rooftop rack systems, part numbers 8000124 and 8000728, do not fully contact the door frame.

    Without proper contact of the rooftop rack clip to the door frame, there is insufficient clamping pressure and friction. The system may slide off the vehicle when loaded with accessories, possibly becoming a road hazard to other vehicles or causing injury to pedestrians.

    Yakima will notify owners, and Yakima or a Yakima dealer will refund the purchase of the Q-Tower and Q-128 Clip system. There is no replacement system available for the 2012-2013 model year Ford Focus. The safety recall began on October 15, 2012. Only vehicles equipped with the vehicle rack system are affected. This recall is being conducted by Yakima, not Ford. Owners may contact Yakima at 1-888-925-4621.

    Campaign 12E035000 on NHTSA.gov

Representative owner complaints: engine

358 reports, newest first. Show all

  1. Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, May 21, 2014

    WHEN DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED 65 WITH CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED THE VEHICLE FEELS AS IF THE ENGINE IS CUTTING OUT OR ENGINE BRAKING IS BEING APPLIED THE RPM'S DROP FROM 2.5 TO 2.25 FEELS LIKE THE ENGINE IS PULSING. *TR

  2. Power train, Engine, May 21, 2014

    THE VEHICLE STALLS AND SHUDDERS WHEN SHIFTING THROUGH LOWER GEARS. TO AVOID THE ISSUE YOU HAVE TO ACCELERATE AT A FAIRLY HIGH RATE FROM A STOP SIGN. VERY DANGEROUS WHEN TURNING CORNERS. HAVE TAKEN INTO THE DEALER ONCE SCHEDULED FOR SECOND TRIP THIS WEEK. THEY SAY IT IS WITH IN THEIR TOLERANCE BOUNDARIES. *TR

  3. Steering, Power train, Service brakes, Engine, May 16, 2014

    THE VEHICLE WILL STALL UPON PRESSING THE CLUTCH IN WHILE IN GEAR OR NEUTRAL REGARDLESS OF SPEED AT RANDOM INTERVALS. I'LL NOTICE THAT COMING TO A STOP WITH THE CLUTCH IN THE CAR HAS A HARD TIME FINDING AN IDLE THEN ULTIMATELY DIES. THIS MOSTLY HAPPENS WHILE THE CAR HAS BEEN RUNNING FOR AWHILE AND THE AC IS ON HOWEVER IT HAS HAPPENED WITH THE AC OFF. THIS HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES INCLUDING WHILE DOWN SHIFTING INTO A LOWER GEAR WHILE TURNING. THE DEALERSHIP WAS UNABLE TO REPRODUCE THIS DESPITE SHOWING VIDEO PROOF OF THE ISSUE. THIS IS AN OVERALL SAFETY CONCERN WHEN THE CAR COULD SHUT OFF AT ANY GIVEN MOMENT WHILE DRIVING. *TR

  4. Engine, Apr 28, 2014

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 24,000.

  5. Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Apr 28, 2014

    I FIRST NOTICED A PROBLEM WITH MY TRANSMISSION THE FIRST WEEK I BOUGHT MY '13 FORD FOCUS. I WOULD HEAR A SHUDDERING AND GEARS GRINDING WHEN I WOULD ACCELERATE AND MY TRANSMISSION WOULD SLIP WHEN SHIFTING GEARS. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND ASKED THEM TO CHECK IT OUT BUT WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS NORMAL AND NOTHING TO WORRY ABOUT AND SENT ME ON MY WAY WITHOUT EVEN TAKING A LOOK UNDER THE HOOD. I INFORMED THEM I WAS WORRIED ABOUT GETTING INTO AN ACCIDENT WITH IT AND THEY SAID THAT WOULD BE IMPOSSIBLE AND IT WAS OF NO CONCERN. ON FRIDAY, APRIL 25TH, 2014, AFTER DRIVING 40 MINUTES TO WORK, I STARTED MY CAR UP AGAIN AND TURNED ONTO A MAIN CITY ROAD FROM A PARKING LOT THEN ONTO A RESIDENTIAL STREET. THERE, I NOTICED MY TRANSMISSION LIGHT HAD TURNED ON AND MY CAR WAS HAVING A DIFFICULT TIME SHIFTING GEARS. THE RPMS SKYROCKETED AND THEN PLUMMETED. I WAS GOING ABOUT 20MPH-25MPH AND MY DASH IS READING 4RPMS. I THEN TURN ONTO ANOTHER MAIN ROAD WHERE MY CAR STARTED CHUGGING ALONG, IT FELT, WHILE REVVING MULTIPLE TIMES. I HAD NO CONTROL OVER MY OWN VEHICLE. ABOUT A MILE OR TWO AWAY, I REACHED MY DESTINATION. I PARKED AND THEN STARTED TO DRIVE AGAIN WHERE MY CAR THEN STOPPED AND I HAD TO DECLARE IT INOPERABLE. THE NEXT DAY, I HAD TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED. COME TO FIND OUT, THE TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS I COMPLAINED ABOUT TO THE DEALER WERE NOT NORMAL AND ANY DAY MY CAR WAS GOING TO QUIT ON ME. APRIL 25TH, 2014 HAPPENED TO BE THAT DAY. MY CAR IS JUST OUTSIDE OF THE LEMON LAW AS I PURCHASED IT LAST JANUARY. FORD IS HESITANT ON HELPING ME AND GETTING MY CAR BACK AND RUNNING. I WAS TOLD THERE WAS NO PROBLEM AND NOTHING TO WORRY ABOUT, THEREFORE, I DID NOT PURSUE THE PROBLEM ANY FURTHER. *JS

  6. Power train, Engine, Apr 19, 2014

    THE FIRST INCIDENT OCCURRED TWO DAYS OR SO AFTER PURCHASING THE CAR. HEARD GRINDING NOISE IN THE FRONT OF THE CAR AS IF METAL WAS DRAGGING ON ASPHALT. TOOK IT TO DEALERSHIP AND THEY STATED IT WAS NORMAL. ABOUT TWO WEEKS LATER CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. TOOK IT TO DEALERSHIP AND THEY RAN A TEST AND SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG AND RESET THE COMPUTER. A WEEK LATER, MESSAGE COMES ON THE SCREEN IN THE CAR TO IMMEDIATELY PULL OVER DUE TO HIGH TEMPERATURES. LIFTED THE HOOD AND STEAM WAS EMANATING FROM THE COOLANT RESERVOIR AND THE LID HAD COME OFF DUE TO THE PRESSURE. I HAD TO CALL FOR A TOW TO THE DEALERSHIP. THEY RAN ANOTHER TEST AND FOUND THAT THE RADIATOR FAN HAD FAILED AND THEY HAD TO REPLACE IT. MORE REPEATED TRIPS TO THE DEALERSHIP TO ADDRESS THE GRINDING TRANSMISSION BUT TO NO AVAIL. IN APRIL 2014, I STARTED TO EXPERIENCE VIOLENT SHUDDERING AND JERKING, ALONG WITH THE GRINDING, AND AGAIN TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP. THEY TOLD MY HUSBAND NOTHING WAS WRONG BECAUSE THEY DID NOT EXPERIENCE IT WHEN HE CAME IN. TOOK IT BACK THE NEXT DAY, THEY RAN A TEST AND FOUND THAT I WAS IS FACT RIGHT THAT SOMETHING WAS WRONG. THE CLUTCH WAS BEING LEAKED ON BY SEALS ABOVE IT. THEY TOLD ME THEY HAD ORDERED THE PART AND WOULD CALL ME WHEN IT CAME IN. I WAS NOT TOLD TO LEAVE IT THERE. THEY SAID THEY WOULD CALL ME WHEN THE PART CAME IN. THE CAR LURCHES FORWARD WHEN SHIFTING AND SHUDDERS HORRIBLY. I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND THIS CAR TO ANYONE AND I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING IT AND NOTHING SEEMS TO BE DONE ABOUT IT. *TR

  7. Power train, Engine, Apr 15, 2014

    ON MY 2013 FORD FOCUS ST I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING A STALLING ISSUE WHILE MOVING. CAR WILL STALL WHEN CLUTCH IS PRESSED WHILE SLOWING DOWN. FORD HAS A TSB ISSUED, BUT WILL NOT PERFORM REQUIRED WORK DUE TO NO CODE BEING PRESENT. THE ISSUE WILL COME AND GO. UPON BROWSING INTERNET THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE AND MANY PEOPLE HAVE BEEN TOLD FORD WILL NOT PERFORM THE FIX. SO THERE ARE NUMEROUS FORD FOCUS ST ON THE ROAD HAVING THIS EXACT PROBLEM. IT IS AFFECTING THE CURRENT YEAR AS WELL. HERE IS A LINK TO A DISCUSSION ON THIS TOPIC HTTP://WWW.FOCUSST.ORG/FORUM/FOCUS-ST-MAINTENANCE/5514-YOUR-CAR-RANDOMLY-STALLING-IDLING-WIERD-READ.HTML AS YOU CAN SEE IT IS PRETTY MUCH MORE THAN 50% OF CARS SOLD SEEM LIKE THEY WILL EVENTUALLY HAVE THIS ISSUE. IT'S A MATTER OF LUCK IF IT WILL THROW A CODE. PEOPLE HAVE RESORTED TO FIXING IT THEMSELVES. THIS IS ABSURD. THIS ISSUE NEEDS TO BE MADE PUBLIC SINCE FORD SEEMS THEY ARE TRYING TO SAVE MONEY BY SAYING THEY NEED A CODE PRESENT. I BRAND NEW CAR SHOULD NOT BE STALLING WHILE MOVING OR ANY TIME YOU DON'T PHYSICALLY SHUT IT OFF. IT'S CREATING A DANGEROUS SITUATION. *TT

  8. Power train, Engine, Apr 10, 2014

    ENGINE STALLS AND SHUTS OFF WHILE COASTING OR COMING TO A STOP WITH THE CLUTCH IN. *TR

  9. Electrical system, Engine, Apr 4, 2014

    UPON STARTUP, THE CAR IDLES ROUGH AND THE RPMS DROP UNTIL THE ECU CATCHES IT AND THE RPMS INCREASE. THE PROBLEM BECOMES MORE FREQUENT AS THE CAR IS DRIVEN. AT TIMES, THE RPMS WILL DROP SO FAR THAT THE CAR WILL STALL. THE PROBLEM TENDS TO GET WORSE AS THE CAR HEATS UP. IT HAS STALLED MULTIPLE TIMES WHEN COME TO A STOP AT AN INTERSECTION OR TO PARK. FOR EXAMPLE, I WENT OUT TO START THE CAR AFTER ABOUT 20 MINUTES OF IT SITTING AFTER 40 MINUTES OF MIXED COMMUTING AND THE CAR COULD NOT KEEP AN IDLE. IT STALLED ON ME 3 TIMES AND FELT LIKE IT WAS GOING TO SHAKE ITSELF TO PIECES. I FINALLY GOT IT STARTED BY HOLDING DOWN THE THROTTLE AND I WAS ABLE TO MOVE THE CAR. IT WAS 60-63 DEGREES OUT ON APRIL 3RD, 2014 IN SOUTHEASTERN CT WHEN THIS PROBLEM OCCURRED. THE PROBLEM ALSO SEEMS TO GET WORSE AS THE AIR TEMPERATURE INCREASES. *TR

  10. Vehicle speed control, Engine, Apr 3, 2014

    I WAS DRIVING ON AN INTERSTATE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS IN A COMPLETELY FLAT SECTION OF THE ROAD AND HAD BEEN APPROXIMATELY 20 MINUTES IN MY JOURNEY WHEN I NOTICED MY CAR STARTED SLIGHTLY SHUDDERING. WHEN SLOWING DOWN FOR A MERGING VEHICLE, MY VEHICLE WENT TO OVER 5000 RPM (AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION BY THE WAY) AND MY SPEED DROPPED, DANGEROUSLY DROPPING MY SPEED IN A PASSING LANE TO 20 UNDER THE SPEED LIMIT. WHILE MAKING MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS ON THE GAS TO ACCELERATE THE SPEED, MY RPM'S KEPT GOING UP AND MY ACCELERATION KEPT DECLINING WITH CARS SWERVING UNTIL I COULD GET INTO THE RIGHTHAND LANE. I HAVE NEVER HAD AN ACCIDENT OR ANY DIFFICULTY WITH MY VEHICLE AS I PURCHASED IT NEW. FURTHER, I HAVE NOTICED THAT EVEN THOUGH I HAVE AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, WHEN STOPPED AT INTERSECTIONS OR LIGHTS, IF I LET UP OFF OF THE GAS AT ALL, MY CAR ROLLS BACKWARDS MUCH LIKE A MANUAL TRANSMISSION WOULD DO, WHICH NOW THAT I KNOW THE TRANSMISSION DOES THIS, I AM AWARE, HOWEVER ON UPHILL STOPS I FIND IT DIFFICULT TO NOT ROLL BACKWARDS IN SWITCHING BETWEEN THE BRAKE AND ACCELERATION IF A CAR IS CLOSELY BEHIND ME, STOPPED. I HAVE TAKEN MY CAR TO A FORD DEALERSHIP FOR IT TO BE LOOKED AT, AND THE CUSTOMER SERVICE REP AT MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP (WHERE I DIDN'T BUY THE CAR) STATES THAT THE TRANSMISSION ISSUES ARE COMMON IN FORD FOCUSES OF THIS MODEL YEAR -- AND FORD IS AWARE/THE DEALERSHIP IS AWARE -- YET THEY "CAN'T FIND ANYTHING ACTUALLY WRONG BY GUIDELINES" FOR THE CAR. IT'S A SAFETY HAZARD AND NEEDS TO BE DEALT WITH IMMEDIATELY! I EXPECT A NEW CAR WITH NO ACCIDENTS TO RUN SMOOTHLY! *TR

  11. Power train, Engine, Apr 1, 2014

    WHEN I DRIVE IT SOUNDS LIKE SOMETHING IS GRINDING AND/OR A RATTLING IN THE FRONT OF THE CAR. IT DOES NOT ALWAYS MAKE THIS NOISE HOWEVER WHEN IT DOES IT SOUNDS LIKE MY TRANSMISSION IS GONNA FALL OUT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD WHILE I AM DRIVING. I CAN ALSO FEEL A VIBRATION IN MY FOOT PEDDLE. ON JUNE 07 2017 THEY REPROGRAMMED MY TRANSMISSION HOPING THAT WOULD RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. ON ANOTHER VISIT DECEMBER 27TH 2013 THEY LUBED SOME PART OF THE FRONT OF MY VEHICLE. THEN ON MARCH 19TH 2014 THEY DID ANOTHER REPROGRAM ADVISING ME THIS TIME ITS MORE SPECIFIC FOR MY VEHICLE. THEY ALSO GAVE ME A PRINT OUT ON WHY MY CAR MADE THIS NOISE AND ADVISED ME IT WAS NORMAL. THEY HAVE HEARD THE NOISE ALL 3 OF THESE TIMES, THERE WERE A FEW OTHER VISITS WHERE THEY WERE UNABLE TO HEAR THE NOISE SO THEY WERE NOT SURE ON HOW TO APPROACH THE PROBLEM. WITH THE LAST REPROGRAMMING THEY DID SO FAR HAS HELPED THE NOISE IT IS NOT AS OFTEN OCCURRING HOWEVER NOW MY CAR IS JERKING, ALMOST LIKE THE TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING. THEY DID ADVISE ME I WOULD NEED TO DRIVE 500 MILES TO ENSURE THE REPROGRAMMING HAS BEEN FIXED AND I AM NOT AT MY 500 MILES YET. *TR

  12. Engine, Mar 30, 2014

    VEHICLE JUST STOPPED RUNNING WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. *TR

  13. Engine, Mar 24, 2014

    VEHICLE STALLS WHEN CLUTCH IS DEPRESSED WHEN COMING TO A STOP. SOMETIMES IDLE IS ERRATIC IF THE VEHICLE STAYS RUNNING. IT HUNTS TO IDLE PROPERLY. *TR

  14. Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Vehicle speed control, Feb 27, 2014

    I BOUGHT A BRAND NEW 2013 FORD FOCUS IN JANUARY 2013 AFTER HAVING PREVIOUSLY OWNED A 2011 FORD FOCUS THAT WAS HAVING TRANSMISSION ISSUES. THE DEALERSHIP HAD TOLD ME THAT THE 2013 FOCUS MODELS HAD A REDONE TRANSMISSION THAT WAS MORE EXPENSIVE AND DIDN'T HAVE THE "ISSUES" THAT PLAGUED THE 2011 FORD FOCUS. TURNS OUT IT IS THE SAME TRANSMISSION, EXCEPT WITH A COMPUTER UPDATE WHICH DOES NOT FIX THE ISSUE. WITHIN THE FIRST FEW WEEKS, MY CAR WAS 'SHUDDERING' FOR LACK OF A BETTER DESCRIPTION WHEN ACCELERATING; THE RPM'S GO UP SPORADICALLY TO, REVVING THE ENGINE HIGHER THAN IT NEEDS TO GO. IT FEELS ALMOST LIKE IT'S GOING TO DIE AND THEN WILL CATCH THE GEAR AND GO. I HAVE TAKEN MY CURRENT CAR IN FOR SERVICE ONCE FOR ANOTHER UPDATE, BUT MY 2011 WAS IN THE SHOP MULTIPLE TIMES TO FIX THIS ISSUE, AND ALWAYS CAME BACK TO ME DOING THE SAME 'SHUDDERING' AS IT DID BEFORE IT WENT IN. I CALLED FORD AND THEY SAID THEY WOULD TALK TO MY DEALER AND THEY WOULD TAKE CARE OF IT. WELL, BY TAKING CARE OF IT, THEY MEANT THAT THERE IS ANOTHER 'UPDATE'. I HAD IT UPDATED ON 8/26/13 AND I PICKED IT UP ONLY TO FIND THAT THE SHUDDERING IS WORSE. IT'S NOT SAFE TO TRY AND DRIVE A CAR THAT SHUDDERS AND LAGS WHEN YOU HAVE TO CROSS BUSY STREETS AND IN NORMAL DAILY TRAFFIC. I'M TIRED OF DEALING WITH THIS ISSUE ESPECIALLY BEING THAT I BOUGHT A NEW CAR. AND AN AMERICAN CAR AT THAT. FORD NEEDS TO HAVE SOME INTEGRITY AND FIX THIS BEFORE I DO WHAT I WANT TO DO AND GO BUY A HONDA OR NISSAN.

  15. Power train, Engine, Jan 28, 2014

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE SHE DROVE AT 70 MPH, THE PLACE TRANSMISSION IN PARK WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED THEN THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE FAILURE WAS EXPERIENCED SEVERAL TIMES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE WAS ABLE TO COAST TO THE SHOULDER TO RESTART THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE REPLICATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 10,000.

  16. Electrical system, Engine, Jan 14, 2014

    WHILE TRAVELING ON THE FREEWAY THE CAR JUST DIED. ENGINE SHUT OFF, HOW EVER ALL THE ELECTRICAL IN THE CAR WERE STILL WORKING. ONCE PULLING OFF THE FREE WAY, THE CAR STARTED AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS BUT THEN DIED SHORTLY AFTER. THE CAR THEN WOULD NOT WORK. AFTER GETTING THE CAR TOWED TO QUIRK FORD IN QUINCY THEY HAD TO KEEP IT AS A CODE THEY DO NOT KNOW WHAT IT MEANS CAME UP, SO THEY DO NOT KNOW HOW TO FIX THE CAR. THE CAR IS STILL IN THE SHOP TO THIS DAY AND THEY WONT GIVE ME A RENTAL. *TR

  17. Steering, Power train, Engine, Dec 31, 2013

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE, THE VEHICLE JERKED VIOLENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 12,552. UPDATED 02/11/2014 *BF THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THERE MAY BE A PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION AND THE TIE ROD. UPDATED 02/20/14

  18. Engine, Dec 29, 2013

    I WAS ON MY WAY TO WORK ON 12/23/2013 AND ON THE DASHBOARD OF MY CAR SAID ENGINE FAULT CHECK SYSTEM NOW LIGHT CAME ON AND THE CAR IMMEDIATELY SHUT DOWN ON ME ON THE EXPRESSWAY I TRIED SEVERAL TIMES CRANKING MY CAR BUT IT WOULDN'T START SO I CALL IDOT TO HELP ME THEY CAME AND TOWED ME TO THE NEAREST EXIT AFTER AN HOUR AND A HALF MY CAR STARTED UP BUT THE ENGINE SYMBOL REMAIN ON THE DASHBOARD I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE IT BACK HOME I WAITED FOR JOE RIZZO FORD TO OPEN AND THEN I TOOK MY CAR TO THEM THEY ENDED UP KEEPING MY CAR AND I HAD TO RENT ME A CAR UNTIL THE PROBLEM WAS FIX JOE RIZZO FORD SAID THEY WILL CALL ME WHEN THE PROBLEM IS FIX--> THE CAR THEY GAVE ME WAS ANOTHER FORD FOCUS 2013 AND WHAT DO YOU KNOW THE FREAKING ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON IN THE RENTAL CAR I HAD MY PERSONAL CAR FOR A YEAR NOW THERE IS NO WAY THAT I SHOULD BE HAVING ENGINE PROBLEMS OR ANYTHING ELSE WRONG WITH THIS CAR FORD REALLY NEEDS TO GET THESE PROBLEMS FIX BEFORE AN ACCIDENT HAPPEN TO SOMEONE. *TR

  19. Engine, Dec 9, 2013

    TWO WEEKS PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT I WENT AND TOOK IT FOR A MAINTENANCE OIL APPOINTMENT, ON DECEMBER 3 AS I STARTED THE VEHICLE, IT WOULD NOT START, IT KEPT MARKING CHECK ENGINE, IT LEFT ME STRANDED ON THE MIDDLE OF MY STREET BOYLSTON STREET, BOSTON, AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS IT WOULD START BUT NOT GET TOO FAR. I THEN HAD IT TOWED TO QUIRK IN QUINCY. *TR

  20. Engine, Dec 2, 2013

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HAVING THE VEHICLE SERVICED, IT WAS FOUND THAT THERE WAS AN OIL LEAK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE MAIN SEAL, CLUTCH PACK AND FRONT SEALS HAD FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 10,000.

  21. Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Nov 27, 2013

    DRIVING HOME FROM SCHOOL WITH MY GRANDSON AND THE CAR STARTED TO JERK AS WE CREPT IN THE LINE OF TRAFFIC. ALMOST SOUNDED AS IF IT WAS READY TO STALL! THIS CAR HAS JUST OVER 5000 MILES ON IT AND I ENJOY DRIVING IT BUT THIS PROBLEM HAS PERSISTED AND IS A SAFETY ISSUE AS JERKING MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO JUDGE HOW CLOSE TO GET TO THE CAR IN FRONT OF YOU ( BECAUSE THE "SLIPPING " IN AND OUT OF GEAR SURGES FORWARD ) AND COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. EVEN AT SPEEDS UP TO 35-45 MPH THE HESITATION MAKES ME FEEL AS IF IT IS GOING TO STALL. SO TODAY I RESEARCHED THE PROBLEM AND AM SHOCKED TO FIND THIS IS A MAJOR ISSUE AND NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED ASAP BY FORD. ALSO THE DOOR LOCKS DON'T WORK PROPERLY WHEN USING AS THE MANUAL STATES. I PLAN TO BE AT MY DEALERSHIP FIRST THING IN THE MORNING. *TR

  22. Power train, Engine, Nov 24, 2013

    I HAVE ONLY HAD TO CAR FOR A DAY. THE CAR MAKES AN AWFUL RATTLING NOISE AND HESITATES WHEN GOING IN AND OUT OF TRAFFIC. TO MAKE MATTERS WORSE, TODAY I WAS IN A PARKING LOT AND WHEN I WAS IN DRIVE I PUSHED THE GAS TO GO FORWARD AND THE CAR WENT IN REVERSE! PLEASE RECALL THIS CAR. IT'S SO UNSAFE AND SOMEONE IS GOING TO GET KILLED. LUCKILY NO ONE WAS BEHIND ME WHEN THIS HAPPENED. AWFUL TRANSMISSION. A DANGER! *TR

  23. Electrical system, Engine, Oct 17, 2013

    WHILE DRIVING THE CAR AT ANY POINT IN TIME THE CAR STARTS TO SOUND LIKE ITS GOING TO DIE ALMOST LIKE I'M DRIVING A STANDARD BUT I'M NOT. I MOSTLY NOTICE IT WHEN DRIVING IN TOWN. YET I HAVE NOTICED IT WHEN GOING FASTER AS WELL. I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE BRAND NEW. I WAS NEVER INFORMED OF THIS BEING "NORMAL". I HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE IN. THE PERSON WORKING ON MY VEHICLE SAID THEY DROVE IT AND NOTICED THE ISSUE. STATED THAT RESETTING THE COMPUTER SYSTEM WOULD RESOLVE THIS PROBLEM. YET AFTER HAVING THIS REDONE. NOT EVEN AN HOUR LATER I NOTICE THE ISSUE HAS NOT BE RESOLVED AND IS STILL HAPPENING. I AM AFRAID THAT I WILL GET INTO A WRECK, NOT TO MENTION I HAVE WASTED MY MONEY ON THIS VEHICLE. I FEEL AS IF I AM THROWING MY MONEY AWAY COMPLETELY. WHEN TALKING TO MY SALES MAN AFTER HAVING THIS ISSUE NOT RESOLVED. HE TELLS ME THAT THIS IS AN ISSUE THAT EVERYONE COMPLAINS ABOUT THOUGH FORD STATES THIS IS NORMAL. I HAVE HAD MANY VEHICLES IN MY LIFE AND THIS IS BY FAR NOT NORMAL. IF THIS VEHICLE DID THIS WHILE I WAS TEST DRIVING THE CAR. I WOULD NOT HAVE PURCHASED THIS CAR EVER. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE ABOUT THIS ISSUE. DO WE NEED TO WAIT UNTIL SOMEONE IS SERIOUSLY INJURED FROM THE DEFECT BEFORE SOMETHING WILL BE DONE. FORD... FIX THIS!! *TR

  24. Power train, Engine, Oct 15, 2013

    CAR JERKS ALOT! ALWAYS JERKING AT LOW SPEEDS AND USUALLY THROUGH GEARS 1-4. VERY UNRELIABLE IN CITY DRIVING AND FEELS VERY UNSAFE. I TOTALLY REGRET PURCHASING THIS VEHICLE. TAKEN IT SEVERAL TIMES TO THE FORD CAMELBACK IN PHX AZ AND THEY JUST SAY ITS THE WAY THE MANUFACTURE BUILT THE CAR AND HOW THE CAR IS ABLE TO SAVE GAS. FORD NEEDS TO RECOGNIZE THIS PROBLEM AND GIVE FORD OWNERS A BREAK. *TR

  25. Power train, Engine, Oct 11, 2013

    WAS DRIVING UP MY DRIVEWAY WHICH IS FAIRLY STEEP, THE ENGINE SLIPPED OUT OF GEAR (IT'S AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION) AND STARTED TO ROLL BACKWARDS DOWN THE HILL, THE ENGINE WAS REVVING/REDLINING AS IF IT WERE IN NEUTRAL. I QUICKLY APPLIED THE BRAKES, AND STEPPED ON THE GAS. THE CAR WAS STILL NOT IN GEAR AND CONTINUED TO ROLL BACK, I APPLIED THE BRAKES AGAIN, AND THEN THE GAS AT WHICH POINT THE CAR SHOT FORWARD, LUCKY THAT I WAS FAR ENOUGH AWAY FROM THE GARAGE OR ANY OBJECTS AND REMAINED IN GEAR WHEN I PULLED INTO THE GARAGE. THIS SAME THING HAPPENED TO ME ON FLAT GROUND IN A PARKING LOT ONE DAY. THE LURCH WAS LESS, BUT THE CAR STILL SHOT FORWARD FASTER THAN IT SHOULD HAVE, ANOTHER INSTANCE WHERE I WAS LUCKY THAT THERE WERE NO PEDESTRIANS/CARS/OBJECTS TO RUN INTO. THIS CAR IS DANGEROUS AND A LIABILITY. *TR